KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Overall4.6Out of 5

GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE!

By MissSlick | on Thursday, June 13, 2019

5.0

I absolutely love my Kona. I have the base (SE) model. It comes packed with a lot of standard goodies, such as 7" lcd display screen, cc, a/c, 3 charging options for electronics, drive mode, hands free everything, rear facing camera, bluetooth, android auto/apple car play compatible, collision warning, lane assist... the list goes on. All these features can be modified/turned on/off to your personal preference. I have all black interior, which is a bit bland, but completely functional and still appealing. Lots of places/pockets to store stuff, and 2 conveniently placed cup holders make the interior highly functional and convenient. With only 147hp, but weighing in at only 2800lbs, this little crossover is a blast to drive. Handles with sports like suspension, body roll is a thing of the past. It's very "zippy", and tons of fun to drive. The std seat adjusts 3 ways, and you really feel "snug" (i am a taller, larger lady and it's not too small or uncomfortable). Interior room is very impressive for one so small. Lots of elbow & leg room. The back seats are a bit snug for leg room if you have the front seats all the way back, but there is a fold down arm rest with cup holders back there, and split rear seats. Cargo room is decent, with plenty of room where the spare is to store tools/smaller/important items. Top IHS safety rating. All wheel disc brakes. This little crossover is well worth the money vs std features you don't get with other manufacturers base models. Gas mileage is rated at 27 city, 33 highway, but I regularly, with non aggressive driving habits, get 30+ mpg city, and have hit 40+ mpg regularly at 55-65 mph, my highest mpg (twice) at 47mpg! With only a 13.2 gallon tank, I get over 400+ miles. One thing I really like is the option of using the digital speedometer, and 2 trip meters, which give you miles driven, avg mpg, amongst other information, all with the touch of a button on the steering wheel. In car call quality is outstanding, with crystal clear sound. Everything is so easy to understand/use. I highly recommend a Kona to anyone looking for a safe, fun car, while still maintaining the sought after gas mileage. There is a drive mode button for city driving, or if you just want to have a bit more fun. There's even a "hill assist" button, and a quick swipe to the left from drive, and you have 2 more gears to shift through. I am 5'8" tall with a handicap, and the design of the doors allows me to easily get in/out. Definitely get your bang for the buck with these cars. With turbo and awd options as well, there's a Kona out there for everyone.…

The Kona EV. Former Chevy Bolt EV owner.

By Jake | on Thursday, June 06, 2019

4.0

Coming from a Chevrolet Bolt EV I purchased 2 years back I had decided after the short time I had with the car that it was time for a change.
After a walk around of the vehicle and a test drive I knew what I was missing out on. The Kona EV was a better vehicle in every way except one compared to the Bolt, 0-60 time. While the Bolt could accelerate faster then the Kona you could hardly tell the difference.
Exterior:
The Kona Electric is a sporty looking sub compact SUV and has some very nice touches that will turn some heads. I bought the Kona EV with the SEL trim in what they call "chalk" white with a two tone paint job that made the roof a glossy black.
The front facia looks futuristic and grabs some elements from the ICE Kona, like the headlights and LEDs. There is a pattern on the front where the grille would be that is dimpled and that means hard to clean but makes the car look different and ultimately is when people say "that's definitely an electric car." There is only one small intake under the grille to let air in.
The rear and sides of the Kona EV look very similar to the ICE Kona with a couple small changes like the back bumper and the fact that there isn't a tail pipe.
Interior:
I have only one complaint about the interior of the Kona EV. While they took time to make the heated seats comfortable for long trips a intuitive but a little dated infotainment system and a nice digital instrument cluster they could not have made the materials out of a cheaper plastic. I can look past some of the plastic with the included telescopic adjustable steering wheel and the included lane assist as well as collision warning but it just feels cheap, plain and simple.
There is enough room for two full size adults in the front seat (I'm 6') and while the back is a little tight the seats are comfortable and have enough room for 3 in the back, or two comfortably with two cup holders.
The Drive:
The Kona EV drives as if it were stuck to the road, it is a very grounded car and you can tell it's heavy when you drive it. It can turn with ease and you will have no problem getting up to speed on the on ramps or when passing BUT... Hyundai you really need to put better tires on this car. The tires that are on them now do NOT help the car with acceleration. There is to much wheel spin and while it is pretty fun to do a slight burnout it is bad for handling.
This is what sold me on the Kona EV, the range is fantastic! In the summer I consistently get over 300 miles of range at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I don't drive my car like a grandma either, no offence. High speed driving is a little lower at 280 miles buy still well over the advertised 258 miles.
In conclusion the Kona EV still has some room for improvement but that should not stop anyone from considering this over a Bolt EV, Kia e Niro, or any other sub compact SUV EV.…

Best car ever!

By RB Liberty grad student | on Friday, March 08, 2019

5.0

This car is really fun to drive and I like the large front window. The Apple CarPlay is like having navigation because it projects on to the touchscreen, and you can use Siri or touchscreen. I feel more confident having the automatic breaking in place, and the lane assist is great too. No Sirius XM, but I don't miss it with having Apple CarPlay.
I love the Hyundai warranty and I also got a warranty that will cover dents if someone opens their car door into yours, or scrapes along a curb, only $5 a month.…